Since I've been overall consistently exercising since October, I finally decided to give running another go (and I haven't ran for exercise since high school P.E.--- in 1999!) ~ so a few days ago I was eyeing 5K events this weekend in my area, and I found a 5K run/walk just 15 minutes away... so I signed up.

I made the 5K in just a little over 30 minutes -- I was surprised, in a good way (since even in High School P.E. my one-miles are anywhere from 9-14 minutes), but beating myself that I didn't give myself that extra push--- I was only 30 seconds away from being under the half-hour mark!

I was also ranked #5 in my age group -- (well, out of 9 participants in that cohort, HA!)

Also, I had to resort to power-walking about 15-20% of the time 'cause I was running out of breath.

Several things I know I can do better on for my next 5K attempts are 1) eat breakfast!! today I jumped out of bed at 6AM, brushed teeth, and head to the site and 2) get better sleep, I was so excited I only had about 5 hours total the night before!

Oh well, at least I've set a benchmark for myself -- now I gotta work on improving my time and keeping my breath.

I also noticed my back started hurting midway through the run, any stretches or posturing issues I should be aware of in regards to this.

And I'm glad I tackled this challenge, though I have YET to feel a single endorphin released from the ordeal.

Congrats!

Wow that is so good.

I'm currently doing the C25K program working up to being able to run a 5K. I can't wait until I actually get there.

That's awesome! That's a goal of mine for this year, so I love hearing about others running 5Ks. WTG!!!

CONGRATS AquaWarlock! That is awesome!! I was doing the C25K but totally fell off the bandwagon this semester--I am really busy with school, and I let it slide even though that is not a good excuse. Anyway I still hope to do one someday. Good for you!

whoo hoo - if u keep it up come join the runners thread!

Congrats on the 5k, that's awesome! I am planning on running my first 5k at the end of March (waiting until the weather is a little nicer around here), so will be following in your footsteps - but I don't think I'll be anywhere near the 30 minute mark!

That is so cool! You should have no trouble shaving off that 30 seconds. I think finishing around the 30 minute mark is a great accomplishment for someone's first 5k. Way to go!

Great Job! I am finishing up the couch to 5k right know and can't wait to run in a 5k race!

AquaWarlock, that's awesome! Congrats!

Only one single time have I ever thought I could feel that "runner's high" I've heard about. But running keeps me in better shape than anything else, so I still do it.

I BET! Haha. Congratulations!!